West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has commenced its search for sites for 10 EV transit stations to provide ultra-rapid charging for cars and larger vehicles as part of the region’s wider switch to green transport.
The electric equivalent of petrol and diesel filling stations are designed to encourage greater take up of EVs, including lorries and commercial vehicles, as part of WMCA’s plans to deliver a net zero-carbon region by 2041.
The 10 stations, each likely to include 80 to 100 ultra-rapid chargers, will be located at strategic points along the region’s major road network with a view to putting 90% of the region within easy reach of a top-up.
The EV transit station network is the first of four major transport projects to be delivered as part of a £1.3bn City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) backed investment.
The four schemes, totalling £140m, were green lit by the WMCA board today and can go ahead pending final approval from government. These are:
- £24m to seek sites for, plan and deliver a network of 10 EV transit stations across the West Midlands
- £43m to extend the West Midlands Metro depot to service the region’s growing tram fleet and network
- £17m to replace and upgrade the Metro power supply on the existing Wolverhampton to Birmingham line for the first time since it opened 22 years ago
- £56m to deliver phase two of the Sprint bus priority corridor with more bus lanes and junction upgrades along the full route between Solihull and Walsall
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of WMCA, has been awarded £1.05bn CRSTS funding which, topped up with local funds, will deliver £1.3bn investment across 50 large and small transport projects over the next five years.
Projects to promote the decarbonisation of transport, target investment into areas of poor connectivity and support inclusive growth have been prioritised.
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA board, said: “These projects are just the start of our £1.3bn investment to de-carbonise and revolutionise our transport network across the West Midlands.
“We know that many people and businesses would like to switch to electric vehicles but are worried about the availability of chargers – so these 10 electric vehicle transit stations show we are serious about supporting that transition.
“And our Metro depot expansion is also a clear sign that we are making progress on extending our tram network into Sandwell and Dudley and then onto Digbeth, offering even more people fast and frequent transport links to the jobs and opportunities our region has to offer.”
